Convertible Child Care Garment

ABSTRACT

An upper body garment configured to convert between a garment portion and a carry bag portion, wherein the carry bag portion is capable of storing the garment portion when the garment portion is not being worn. The garment portion has a storage pouch configured to store the carry bag portion when the garment portion is being worn and the carry bag portion is not in use. Additionally, the garment portion comprises a plurality of pockets configured to securely hold child care products and a breast feed shield.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/886,810, filed Oct. 4, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Parents and other caretakers of children suffer from a familiar quandary—which child care products and how many of each is required when traveling with a child? It has been found that in an abundance of caution, caretakers often overload themselves with a traditional “diaper bag” filled to the brim and beyond. This practice of packing too many items leads to difficulties in merely carrying the diaper bag let alone together with a child simultaneously, adding to the difficulties of travel.

In addition, once a caretaker begins travel with his or her overloaded array of child care products, the caretaker is stuck carrying the complete array during the course of travel.

It would therefore be beneficial to provide a hands-free wearable garment that a caretaker can load with a limited set of child care products for travel with the child. Envisioned here is a garment that could carry the necessities of a child for 2-4 hours during travel time away from a “base stations,” which may be a “diaper bag” during lengthy travel or simply a home.

Particularly, the garment would be fashionable such that caretakers are not only willing to utilize it, but actually look forward to its use as a stylish accessory. Additionally, it would be beneficial if the garment could convert into a carry bag for itself and other items.

The present disclosure provides such garments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In certain embodiments, the present technology is directed to an upper body garment comprising: a garment portion comprising an interior garment portion and an exterior garment portion; a carry bag portion; and a storage pouch within the garment portion; wherein the garment portion is attached to the carry bag portion, wherein the carry bag portion is capable of storing the garment portion, wherein the storage pouch is attached to the garment portion between the interior garment portion and the exterior garment portion, and wherein the storage pouch is capable of storing the carry bag portion.

In certain embodiments, the present technology is directed to a method of converting a upper body garment into a carry bag, wherein the upper body garment comprises a garment portion comprising an interior garment portion and an exterior garment portion; a carry bag portion; and a storage pouch within the garment portion; wherein the garment portion is attached to the carry bag portion, wherein the carry bag portion is capable of storing the garment portion, wherein the storage pouch is attached to the garment portion between the interior garment portion and the exterior garment portion, and wherein the storage pouch is capable of storing the carry bag portion into the carry bag portion, the method comprising opening the storage pouch; removing the carry bag portion from the storage pouch; inverting the carry bag portion; packing the garment potion within the carry bag portion.

Other embodiments, aspects, and features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the present disclosures. Including following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is an overview of an embodiment of the present technology showing the front;

FIG. 1B is an overview of an embodiment of the present technology showing the back;

FIG. 2A is an overview of another embodiment showing the front;

FIG. 2B is an overview of another embodiment showing the back;

FIG. 3A is an overview of another embodiment showing the front;

FIG. 3B is an overview of another embodiment showing the back;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view of left inside pockets of an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view of right inside pockets of an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a depiction of a step in converting a garment into a carry bag;

FIG. 7 is a depiction of another step in converting a garment into a carry bag;

FIG. 8 depicts another step in converting a garment into a carry bag;

FIG. 9 depicts a carry bag converted from a garment.

Prior to addressing the embodiments of the garment, it is noted that various pockets are shown in the figures and described herein. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of pockets is designed to account for various items that a caretaker may require when traveling with a child while also maintaining an eye toward its fashion. To function as desired, various closure mechanisms are provided. Although a closure of a particular type may be shown in relation to an embodiment, it will be appreciated that other types of closures may be provided or no closure may be provided. Also, some of the pockets are “inside” pockets while others are gusseted to the outside and are considered “outside” pockets. Such pockets may be exchanged one for another. Any pocket shown in one embodiment could be similarly used in another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, the suffix “(s)” as used herein is usually intended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that it modifies, thereby including one or more of that term. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another or one embodiment from another.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances, the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances, an event or capacity may be expected, while in other circumstances, the event or capacity cannot occur. This distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be”.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment,” “another embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and/or characteristic) described in connection with the invention is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the described inventive features may be combined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments and configurations.

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B depict a front 102 view and a back 104 view of the present technology. In certain embodiments the present technology is a vest 100 comprising a zippered closure 103 running vertically up and down the front 102, two arm holes 105, and a neck hole 107. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that robes, smocks, jackets or coats, and the like may be utilized in the present technology and that regardless of the garment type, the zippered closure may be replaced with other type of closures, such as VELCRO®, buttons, snaps or the like.

In certain embodiments, the vest 100 comprises a first upper breast pocket 106, and a second upper breast pocket 108. In another embodiment the breast pockets 106, 108 may be canted downward toward the outer portion of the vest 100 and may include fabric closures with snaps. In some embodiments, the fabric closure is a small flap 109. In some embodiments, the breast pockets 106, 108 may be lapel pockets. In another embodiment, the breast pockets 106, 108 may be lapel pockets and may not be canted downward but still may include a fabric closure with a snap. In another embodiment, the breast pockets 106, 108 may not be canted and may not include fabric closures or may include closures other than a snap, such as buttons or VELCRO® closures. The upper breast pockets may be sized to accommodate smaller or thinner items, such as a pacifier or sunglasses.

At the midsection of the vest 100 may be a closure 110. In certain embodiments, the closure 110 may be a drawstring. In another embodiment the drawstring may be hidden and exit an enclosed channel at grommets. In certain embodiments the closure may be a belt, or may be absent. In another embodiment, the closure may be a fabric belt. In another embodiment, the closure may be a fabric belt encircling the vest 100 with ties in the back. In certain embodiments, the belt may tie in the back. In certain embodiments, the belt may have an optional buckle.

The lower front section of the vest 100 comprises a first lower inside pocket 112, and a second lower inside pocket 114. In certain embodiments, the lower inside pockets 112, 114 use with hidden zippers. In another embodiment, one or more of the the lower inside pockets 112, 114 is a built-in-seam pockets with a hidden zipper. In certain embodiments, the lower inside pockets 112, 114 may be traditional fabric pockets. In another embodiment, the lower inside pockets 112, 114 may feature resilient netting or mesh that can tightly secure delicate items such as a cell phone so the items do not shift around when moving. In another embodiment, the lower inside pockets 112, 114 may be gusseted outside pockets with a fabric closure or inside pockets with a fabric closure. In another embodiment the lower inside pockets 112, 114 may be canted downward toward the outer portions of the vest 100. In another embodiment, the lower inside pockets 112, 114 may be configured to house a diaper changing pad and may feature VELCRO® closures. In certain embodiments, the first inside pocket 112 may be a gusseted outside pocket with a fabric closure. In another embodiment, the first inside pocket 112 is a top pocket. In another embodiment, the second inside pocket 114 may be an inside pocket with a fabric closure. In another embodiment, the first inside pocket may be an inside pocket with a fabric closure configure to house a diaper changing pad. In certain embodiments, the second inside pocket 114 may be an outside gusseted pocket with a fabric closure. In certain embodiments the inside pocket 114 or the lower outside pocket 116 is a flap pocket.

In certain embodiments, the lower front of the vest 100 includes a lower outside pocket 116. In another embodiment, the lower outside pocket 116 is gusseted. In another embodiment, the lower outside pocket 116 may be gusseted around three sides of its perimeter such that bulky items can be placed in the pocket. In another embodiment, the lower outside pocket 116 comprises a closure flap or a closure flap with a snap, although as with the other pockets there may be no flap or a flap with other closure mechanisms. Where there is no flap, the lower outside pocket 116 may be closed with VELCRO®, zippers, or other means.

Certain embodiments of the present technology comprise on the back 104 of the vest 100 a lower back pocket 113 or a lapel pocket 213 on one side and an outside pocket 118 on the other. In certain embodiments, the lower back pocket 113 or the lapel pocket 213 is adapted to hold a changing pad, diaper, wipes, etc. that may be removed from the pocket and used in the diaper changing process. In another embodiment, the inside portions of the lower back pocket 113 or the lapel pocket 213 may be sewn or stitched down to the back of the respective vest 100 so the pockets do not shift and secure the contents in place. In certain embodiments, the outside pocket 118 is gusseted and includes a closure. In another embodiment the closure of the outside pocket 118 is a fabric flap with VELCRO®. In another embodiment, the outside pocket 118 is sized to hold a typically configured 8-9 oz. baby bottle. In another embodiment, the outside pocket 118 is sized to hold any sized baby bottle. In another embodiment, the outside pocket 118 may have a resilient net closure to hold the bottle in place.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show additional embodiments that include, for example, a front yoke 203 and a back yoke 205 and an outside pocket 318 that is configured to hold a baby bottle.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary view of the left inside of a certain embodiment of the vest 100. The left inside of the vest 100 may include a patch pocket 402. In certain embodiments, the patch pocket 402 may be a simple piece of fabric sewn on three sides to form a pocket. In other embodiments, the top of the patch pocket 402 may include a closure. In another embodiment, the top of the patch pocket 402 may be the unsewn side. In another embodiment, the patch pocket 402 may have an extra thickness of fabric or other material for durability. The patch pocket 402 may be sized and configured to house smaller items such as keys or lipstick. In another embodiment, the patch pocket 402 may be found on the right inside of the vest 100.

In certain embodiments, included in the inside of the vest 100 may be a breast feed shield 404. The breast feed shield 404 may be configured as a piece of square fabric sized to conceal the bosom of a breastfeeding caretaker. In certain embodiments, the breast feed shield 404 is tethered to the vest via a cord. In some embodiments, the cord 406 may be elastic. In another embodiment, the cord 406 is connected to the vest 100 adjacent to an inside breast feed shield pocket 408 configured to house the breast feed shield when not in use. In some embodiments the breast shield pocket 408 may have a VELCRO® or other type closure. In certain embodiments, the breast feed shield 404 is attached to the inside breast shield pocket 408. In certain embodiments, the inside breast shield pocket is stitched into the lining. It will be appreciated by one with ordinary skill in the art that the breast shield 404 and the breast feed shield pocket 408 may be found on the right inside or left inside of the vest 100.

In certain embodiments, particularly configured for male caretakers, the breast feed shield 404 may not be included. In another embodiment, the overall fashion of the garment may be adapted to a more masculine look and feel whereas other garments may be more feminine.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary view of the right inside of the vest 100. In certain embodiments, the right inside of the vest 100 includes an inner pocket 410 with zippered closure. The inner pocket 410 is sized and configured to house items such as a wallet or other similarly sized items that are intended to be safely secured. In another embodiment, the inner pocket 410 may be found on the left inside of the vest 100.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 depict a step in the process of converting a garment 100 into a carry bag 502 as seen in FIG. 9. The garment 100 includes an interior pocket 504 located in the lower portion of its interior. The interior pocket 504 is particularly closed with a zipper closure, but may be closed by other means. In certain embodiments, the closure of the interior pocket is between the lining and the hem. The step in converting the garment 100 into a carry bag 502 is exposing and unzipping the interior pocket 504.

Once the interior pocket 504 is unzipped, the carry bag 502 which is secured within the interior pocket can be pulled out from within the pocket until it is exposed as shown in FIG. 7. Particularly, the carry bag 502 will be inside-out at this point.

In certain embodiments the carry bag portion may be a structure that is substantially separate from the garment, for example as shown in FIG. 7; or, alternatively, one or more layers of the carry bag portion may be part or all of a layer of the garment, for example, as shown on the interior surface of the embodiment of the garment shown in FIG. 6. In certain embodiments, the carry bag may comprise the interior of a pocket 504; in other embodiments, the carry bag may comprise a layer of the garment (as can be visualized from FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 8, the carry bag 502 may then be inverted and the vest 100 packed partially within the bag 502. Another step is shown in FIG. 9 where the vest 100 is completely packed within the carry bag 502. Although the carry bag 502 may be configured to various configurations, in certain embodiments the configuration is a generally square bag with handles.

Materials of construction for the garments and bag may be those that would conventionally be found for such items. As such, the garments may be a jean material or other fabric. Particularly the bags are configured of lighter material such as nylon to aid in comfort when the garment is being worn.

Although the present technology has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, these embodiments and examples are merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The present technology should, therefore, not be limited by the specific disclosure herein, and may be embodied in other forms not explicitly described here, without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An upper body garment comprising: a garment portion comprising an interior garment portion and an exterior garment portion; a carry bag portion; and an interior pocket within the garment portion; wherein the garment portion is attached to the carry bag portion, wherein the carry bag portion is capable of storing the garment portion, wherein the interior pocket is attached to the garment portion between the interior garment portion and the exterior garment portion, and wherein the interior pocket is capable of storing the carry bag portion.
 2. The upper body garment as in claim 1, further comprising: a shield configured to cover a wearer's chest; and a cord having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the cord is attached to the garment portion and the distal end of the lanyard is attached to the shield.
 3. The upper body garment as in claim 2, wherein the shield comprises a flexible material.
 4. The upper body garment as in claim 2, wherein the shield comprises an opaque material.
 5. The upper body garment as in claim 2, wherein the cord is elastic.
 6. The upper body garment as in claim 2, further comprising a shield pocket located on the garment portion adjacent to the proximal end of the lanyard, wherein the pocket can accommodate the shield.
 7. The upper body garment according to claim 1, further comprising a bottle pocket configured to hold a bottle.
 8. The upper body garment according to claim 7, wherein the bottle pocket further comprises a closure.
 9. The upper body garment according to claim 8, wherein the closure is a sphinctered closure.
 10. The upper body garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment portion comprises a plurality of pockets.
 11. The upper body garment according to claim 10, wherein at least one pocket of the plurality of pockets is configured to hold child care products.
 12. A method of converting a upper body garment into a carry bag portion, wherein the upper body garment comprises a garment portion comprising an interior garment portion and an exterior garment portion; a carry bag portion; and a storage pouch within the garment portion; wherein the garment portion is attached to the carry bag portion, wherein the carry bag portion is capable of storing the garment portion, wherein the storage pouch is attached to the garment portion between the interior garment portion and the exterior garment portion, and wherein the storage pouch is capable of storing the carry bag portion, the method comprising: opening the interior pocket; removing the carry bag portion from the interior pocket; inverting the carry bag portion; and packing the garment potion within the carry bag portion. 